A common conversation starter between Jews is “Nu, what’s new?” Israelis greet each other with “ma chadash?” and speakers of the Yiddish mameh loshen (mother tongue) say “vos iz neias?” Not that Jews are more inclined to be journalists, rather we have an instinctive expectation that something fresh and different is going on.
This week, during Shabbat morning services we will read from three Torahs. In the first we will read the weekly parsha – Tazria. The second Torah reading is the standard for every Rosh Chodesh (beginning of the new month) and the third is a unique preparation for the festival of Pesach – Parshat Hachodesh.
Shortly before the long-anticipated liberation from Egypt, G-d communicated the very first mitzvoth to the Jewish nation through Moshe and Aharon: The laws of the Pascal Lamb and the very first seder observances. These were prefaced with the intricate laws of determining the Jewish calendar. While we read this Torah portion just two weeks before Pesach as a reminder to prepare for the approaching holiday appropriately, it is called “HaChodesh” because the first instruction in this divine communique is regarding the Jewish calendar which revolves primarily around the lunar month (chodesh).
Why was the mitzvah of “Chodesh” – the Jewish calendar – chosen to be the very first commandment to the Israelites?
The Hebrew word for month – “chodesh” – is etymologically linked to the word “chadash” – new. The focus of our unique calendar is the cycle of the moon which experiences recession and renewal approximately every 30 days. The foundation of Jewish reality is never to be satisfied with the status quo. We are empowered to partner with G-d in His creation by revealing the limitless secrets imbedded in our universe – thereby enhancing our way of life and the world at large. It is no wonder that Jews are disproportionately represented in all areas of science and discovery.
The same is true with regard to spirituality. Even before the birth of our nation G-d communicated to us that our mandate is to generate “Chodesh” – renewal in all areas of creation. When a Jew utilizes a physical object to do a mitzvah it becomes divine. Animal hide has the potential to be transformed into tefillin and a Torah scroll, a candle can be used to welcome Shabbat and money can be channeled in a divine way by donating it to the poor or to a synagogue.
As we approach Pesach, Parshat HaChodesh inspires us to revitalize our commitment to Judaism and to partner with G-d in creation by introducing divinity into every aspect of our world. Have the courage to do a new mitzvah or to explore a new area of Torah. This transformation begins with ourselves and will have a ripple effect on the universe.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg